Portsmouth v. Arsenal 0-0 26/Dec/07

Finally a trip to the south lead the Arsenal boys in a tough away match to loose the leadership and the one-point lead over arch-rivals Man Utd who won in a stunning match again Sunderland by 4-0. Unnecessary overpressure lead by the Pompey side rose throughout the game, and in some cases recurrent, almost like a leitmotiv. In some ways, the southern side provoked and used the physical advantage to diminish the work of Arsenal's midfield. It seems that the previously mentioned 'tough December' reached its climax through the boxing day match, and exhaust is evident even in such young side.
The team was lost and after a superb match against Spurs the gunners ran out of gas, and the best example from this was Cesc Fábregas and Tomas Rosicky. The great contradiction between these two cracks were disposition. While the young Spaniard was completely lost and ran of pressure, the latter moved away from his position and created all of the major chances form the team. It is what I ask for such talented player every game. All of his shots were near the goal and through three assists the goal almost arrived. The Czech looked desperately the lead and showed the attitude to be a skipper, and completely justified his current captaincy in his national side. The defense showed a solid and coherent block pushing forward with the center backs, as usual this season leading skipper Gallas wasting a tremendous chance in a completely clear penalty by ex-Arsenal Sol Campbell. Substitutes did not pump the side with new energy, showing the real failure in the midfield. I am not really sure if it would be a suitable option for the team to keep playing with a lone forward. Five midfield men, helps with some things. First, control and possession of the ball, which gives you time and pace of the game. Then a three option men for defend, control and attack, with an option of moving the ball along sides. But the disadvantages are equal to the advantages. A tired striker in the first half with what may be a half with very few attempts. Becoming to defensive or meaningless possession is another disadvantage. I am sure that a fit van Persie will make doubt Mr. Wenger in the season, but instead he will make the move to a formula, a thing that is proved in the past. Remember the line up in the Champions league final? Well I know that playing with the 'Unamable' Henry is a complete advantage in a 5 men midfield but with so many attacking options, including Dennis 'The Legend' Bergkamp, it was a failure. Instead I would play either with 4-3-3 or 4-3-1-2. But Arsené knows and In Arséne We Trust...